‘No Pants’ rail rides around the world

What started as a prank in New York by the group Improv Everywhere has grown into an international celebration of silliness

By By JAKE ELLISON

on January 12, 2014 2:18 PM

Photo: Marco Ugarte/AP

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Participants begin to shed their pants for the No Pants Subway Ride annual event joining other pantless riders invading MARTA at the Civic Center station on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. The staged event was organized by the group Impro Everywhere. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) less

Participants begin to shed their pants for the No Pants Subway Ride annual event joining other pantless riders invading MARTA at the Civic Center station on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. The staged event ... more

Photo: Curtis Compton, AP

Participants begin to shed their pants for the No Pants Subway Ride... Photo-5714857.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train... Photo-5714397.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People gather on a subway platform as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Improv Everywhere, sends people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People gather on a subway platform as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Improv Everywhere, sends people onto the ... more

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

People gather on a subway platform as they take part in the annual... Photo-5714845.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A man with no pants takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

A man with no pants takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

A man with no pants takes part in the 'No Pants Metro... Photo-5714234.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants read a book as they wait to take the metro, during the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

Participants read a book as they wait to take the metro, during the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

Participants read a book as they wait to take the metro, during... Photo-5714235.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A woman holds a sign that reads: 'Excuse me to have too much dignity, no to the public Brussels transport in underwear', as participants around her take part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

A woman holds a sign that reads: 'Excuse me to have too much dignity, no to the public Brussels transport in underwear', as participants around her take part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, ... more

Participants not wearing pants ride a subway train while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

Participants not wearing pants ride a subway train while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited ... more

A man taking part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event walks past a woman carrying laundered shirts on the stairs in Paddington Station, London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

A man taking part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event walks past a woman carrying laundered shirts on the stairs in Paddington Station, London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the ... more

A participant with no pants stands in a metro carriage, as he takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

A participant with no pants stands in a metro carriage, as he takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

A participant with no pants stands in a metro carriage, as he takes... Photo-5714231.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A man with no pants steps out of the metro, as he takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

A man with no pants steps out of the metro, as he takes part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an ... more

Photo: Yves Logghe, AP

A man with no pants steps out of the metro, as he takes part in the... Photo-5714232.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 11 of 60

Participants take part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with dozens of cities around the world participating each year. less

Participants take part in the 'No Pants Metro Ride' in Brussels, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The idea started years ago as a small prank in New York and has grown into an international celebration of silliness, with ... more

Passengers participate in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere, in 2002, involves metro riders boarding subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing pants while maintaining a straight face. less

Passengers participate in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere, in 2002, ... more

Katerina Marie, left, and Kevin Coleman participate in the No Pants Subway Ride annual event joining other pantless riders invading MARTA at the Civic Center station on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. The staged event was organized by the group Impro Everywhere. (AP Photo/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) less

Katerina Marie, left, and Kevin Coleman participate in the No Pants Subway Ride annual event joining other pantless riders invading MARTA at the Civic Center station on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. The ... more

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No ... more

Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event... Photo-5714227.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where random passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No ... more

Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event... Photo-5714228.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through central London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No ... more

Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event... Photo-5714229.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A man looks at a participant who stands on the train without her pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

A man looks at a participant who stands on the train without her pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Photo: Andres Kudacki, AP

A man looks at a participant who stands on the train without her... Photo-5714223.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participant walk up the stairs with no pants on during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Participant walk up the stairs with no pants on during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Photo: Andres Kudacki, AP

Participant walk up the stairs with no pants on during the 5th... Photo-5714224.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through King's Cross station in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train passing through King's Cross station in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with ... more

Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event... Photo-5714225.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", where passengers board subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing trousers and act normally. less

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event next to other passengers on an underground train in London, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The stunt was held to coincide with the "Global No Pants Subway Ride", ... more

Photo: Matt Dunham, AP

People take part in the "No Trousers Tube Ride" event... Photo-5714226.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A Muslim woman looks at participants in the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride", as they ride the subway without their pants on in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

A Muslim woman looks at participants in the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride", as they ride the subway without their pants on in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Participants travel on the train without their pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Participants travel on the train without their pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Photo: Andres Kudacki, AP

Participants travel on the train without their pants during the 5th... Photo-5714218.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants wait for the train without their pants on during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Participants wait for the train without their pants on during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Photo: Andres Kudacki, AP

Participants wait for the train without their pants on during the... Photo-5714219.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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EDS NOTE - SPANISH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN SPAIN - A man sitting next to his daughter looks at a participant who stand on the train without her pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. less

EDS NOTE - SPANISH LAW REQUIRES THAT THE FACES OF MINORS ARE MASKED IN PUBLICATIONS WITHIN SPAIN - A man sitting next to his daughter looks at a participant who stand on the train without her pants during the ... more

A passenger stands in between participants as they wait for the train without their pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

A passenger stands in between participants as they wait for the train without their pants during the 5th annual "No Pants Subway Ride" in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.

Photo: Andres Kudacki, AP

A passenger stands in between participants as they wait for the... Photo-5714221.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride rushes to catch a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride rushes to catch a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride rushes to catch a train... Photo-5714401.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 27 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride prepare to board a train... Photo-5714400.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride looks at a subway map while riding a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride looks at a subway map while riding a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride looks at a subway map... Photo-5714398.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride exit and board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride exit and board a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while ... more

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride wearing a luchador, or Mexican wrestler, mask sits next to another looking at a subway map as they ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride wearing a luchador, or Mexican wrestler, mask sits next to another looking at a subway map as they ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride wearing a luchador, or... Photo-5714394.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A unsuspecting subway passenger looks at participants of the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A unsuspecting subway passenger looks at participants of the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not ... more

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on... Photo-5714392.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 33 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January... Photo-5714391.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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An unsuspecting subway passenger reads a book next to participants of the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

An unsuspecting subway passenger reads a book next to participants of the No Pants Subway Ride on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

An unsuspecting subway passenger reads a book next to... Photo-5714390.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as they wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as they wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as they wait... Photo-5714389.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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An unsuspecting passenger sits next to a participant of the No Pants Subway Ride on a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

An unsuspecting passenger sits next to a participant of the No Pants Subway Ride on a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

An unsuspecting passenger sits next to a participant of the No... Photo-5714388.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as a train approaches on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as a train approaches on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride hold hands as a train... Photo-5714387.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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An unsuspecting passenger passes a participant of the No Pants Subway Ride in Alexanderplatz station on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

An unsuspecting passenger passes a participant of the No Pants Subway Ride in Alexanderplatz station on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

An unsuspecting passenger passes a participant of the No Pants... Photo-5714386.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride prepares to board an approaching train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride prepares to board an approaching train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride prepares to board an... Photo-5714385.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 40 of 60

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride reads a book while riding a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride reads a book while riding a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride reads a book while riding... Photo-5714383.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 41 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on... Photo-5714384.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 42 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on... Photo-5714382.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 43 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride ride a train on January... Photo-5714381.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 44 of 60

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride waits for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride waits for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

A participant of the No Pants Subway Ride waits for a train on... Photo-5714380.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 45 of 60

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving as though they do not know each other, began as a joke by the public prank group Improv Everywhere in New York City and has since spread around the world, with enthusiasts in around 60 cities and 29 countries across the globe, according to the organization's site. less

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on January 12, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. The annual event, in which participants board a subway car in January while not wearing any pants while behaving ... more

Photo: Adam Berry, Getty Images

Participants of the No Pants Subway Ride wait for a train on... Photo-5714379.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 46 of 60

A woman participating in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, stands on the railway platform in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere in 2002, involves metro riders boarding subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing pants while maintaining a straight face. less

A woman participating in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, stands on the railway platform in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group ... more

Commuters participate in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere in 2002, involves metro riders boarding subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing pants while maintaining a straight face. less

Commuters participate in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere in 2002, ... more

Three men participating in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, enter a subway car in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv Everywhere in 2002, involves metro riders boarding subway cars in the middle of winter without wearing pants while maintaining a straight face. less

Three men participating in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride, enter a subway car in Mexico City, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. The global event inspired by the comedic performance New York art group Improv ... more

Photo: Marco Ugarte, AP

Three men participating in the annual event, No Pants Subway Ride,... Photo-5714860.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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Marianne Cornejo, far right, and Leah Estreicher, center right, both of New York, start to get dressed at the Union Square subway station after participating in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

Marianne Cornejo, far right, and Leah Estreicher, center right, both of New York, start to get dressed at the Union Square subway station after participating in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, ... more

A participant not wearing pants walks along a subway platform while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

A participant not wearing pants walks along a subway platform while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, ... more

People not wearing pants walk up a stairwell at the 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invites people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People not wearing pants walk up a stairwell at the 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized ... more

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

People not wearing pants walk up a stairwell at the 14th Street... Photo-5714846.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 52 of 60

People not wearing pants walk in the 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The event, organized by the group Improv Everywhere, invites people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People not wearing pants walk in the 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The event, organized by the group Improv ... more

A participant not wearing pants stands on a subway train while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York.The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

A participant not wearing pants stands on a subway train while taking part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York.The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, ... more

People not wearing pants stand aboard a departing subway train as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People not wearing pants stand aboard a departing subway train as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro ... more

Annette Tobiasz, of Highlands, N.J., touches the nose of Timothy Lowe, also of Highland, N.J. as he participates on a subway platform in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

Annette Tobiasz, of Highlands, N.J., touches the nose of Timothy Lowe, also of Highland, N.J. as he participates on a subway platform in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The ... more

People not wearing pants stand on a subway platform at 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invited people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People not wearing pants stand on a subway platform at 14th Street Union Square subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, ... more

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

People not wearing pants stand on a subway platform at 14th Street... Photo-5714849.77602 - Houston Chronicle

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People not wearing pants are passed by commuters at a subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Improv Everywhere, invites people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People not wearing pants are passed by commuters at a subway station as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Improv ... more

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

People not wearing pants are passed by commuters at a subway... Photo-5714847.77602 - Houston Chronicle

Image 58 of 60

People walk along a subway platform as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invites people onto the subways without pants to act out what might be a normal commute. less

People walk along a subway platform as they take part in the annual No Pants Subway Ride Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in New York. The staged event, organized by the group Impro Everywhere, invites people onto the ... more

Photo: Craig Ruttle, AP

People walk along a subway platform as they take part in the annual... Photo-5714848.77602 - Houston Chronicle

A MARTA rider reacts as Bruce Waine, right,Atlanta, boards his train without his pants on during the No Pants Subway Ride Atlanta annual event on MARTA, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Atlanta. The staged event is ... more